Most local Hout Bayers have a story to tell about the area when it was a Round Table project.
The Corbett family, owners of Tintsawlo Lodge in the Manyeletti concession of Kruger National Park and a Gauteng lodge had an apartment at the nearby One Chapman's Peak Drive and negotiated to take control of the then derelict land. As buildings existed previously, Parks Board authorities permitted the building of what is now Tintswalo Atlantic, the only five-star hotel in the Table Mountain National Park and, quite literally, a pebble's throw from the sea. The Milkwoods were and continue to be sacrosanct and were not damaged during the construction of the main lodge and the 11 suites.
Although just a few metres away from the Chapman's Peak toll road, guests at Tintswalo may well be on another planet if it weren't for Hout Bay's iconic Sentinel looming large across the bay. There is no sound from the road and, because guests may not use their own vehicles to travel the precipitous path from the road to the lodge, nothing, other than the crash of the sea and squawking gulls, disturbs the peace.
Although there was a golf buggy at the ready, we walked the steep ascent and then continued up the mountain to the waterfall at Blackburn's Ravine. The path is beautifully maintained and well marked and the views make the effort absolutely worthwhile. The next day we walked along Chapman's Peak itself and it only when doing so on foot or on a bicycle that one can see the real benefit of the controversial toll. The lodge, however, is so splendid and comfortable you might be tempted just to stay there - the two pools are heated and the sun beams over the pool deck until late into the afternoon. Sunsets from this location must be among the globe's most spectacular. I loved that there was a self-help ice chest with waters and boozier refreshments at the pool deck along with a selection of magazines rather than having a staff member hover around.
The main lodge has a number of sitting and dining areas but weather permitting you'll want to be on the sea deck. Emphasis is on comfort but there's plenty of glamour too with crystal chandeliers hanging from trees above the beanbags and sofas outside. There are log-burning fireplaces in the main lodge and in each of the suites which combined with under-floor heating and air conditioning makes for perfect temperature no matter the weather.
The stand out from this experience, other than the location itself, is the cuisine and how willing they were to adapt to my low-carb, no-sugar diet. I was actually dreading the Afternoon Tea expecting to patiently sip at my Lapsang Souchong while others feasted on fancy cakes and chocolate éclairs. Imagine how thrilled I was to find that with the exception of brownies, I could enjoy every item served - tiny salads, rolled smoked salmon, pancetta slithers, chicken kebabs and egg and vegetable crustless tarts. The food experience at Tintswalo started on a high and just continued getting higher!
Although Tintswalo is not open to walk-ins, one can book a chef's table experience with Tintswalo Atlantic's Executive Chef, Jeantelle van Staden, who will create a menu while you stare into the open kitchen and watch her.
Each suite is dedicated to an Island and we were in Zanzibar with carved timber doors, inlaid beds and blue accents throughout. Bathrooms in all the suites focus your attention on the view and watching the sunset over the Atlantic while in a bubble bath should be on one's bucket list. Shells are artfully used in the bathrooms to create murals and frame mirrors. With another's touch it may be kitsch but this is exquisitely done. Truly.
The Penthouse has two adjoining suites (Elba and Corsica) and is also available for launches and presentations for about 20 people.
This is a five-star offering and priced accordingly but there are local winter rates that are affordable and worthy of investigation. Enquire about the local package which is valid until 31 August 2014. Included in this experience is accommodation, dinner and breakfast, complimentary bubbly on arrival, all tea, coffee and juices, a 30-minute spa treatment, transfers to and from the hotel, as well as walks around the Table Mountain Reserve.
When we visited a couple were viewing the property as a location for their wedding. They can manage sit-down dinners for 50, cocktail party for 65 and intimate celebrations for up to 12.
Tintswalo is Shangaan for an intangible feeling of love, peace and gratitude bestowed upon someone offering you a meaningful and worthy gift and Tintswalo Atlantic certainly lives up to its name.
I can unreservedly recommend Tintswalo Atlantic for even the most discerning guest but also as the perfect location for a board meeting or corporate bosberaad. For reservations and inquiries please contact Dumi by email on moc.olawstnit@3ser or by telephone on +27 (0) 11 300 8700
See www.tintswalo.com for more information.
